UFC May Soon Be Headed to Russia
With the UFC set to expand into New York State for the first time ever with its UFC 205 fight card at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 12, the promotion could be looking to extend its reach even further in the near future.
Speaking on the UFC Unfiltered podcast, company president Dana White expressed interest in taking the promotion to Russia at the behest of lightweight fighter Khabib Nurmangomedov.
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When asked what sort of plans the UFC has with its new ownership, WME | IMG, White said, “We’re talking about going into new territories and opening up (there). Khabib has been blowing me up, and I haven’t really given Khabib any information, but obviously, Khabib in Russia, that wouldn’t be a bad idea. We’re talking about going into Russia, possibly with Khabib.”
Although there is potential for large events in Russia, the company has been pushing its UFC Fight Pass product, frequently using foreign-based events with differing time zones to host marquee fights drawing fans to the digital streaming service.
White affirmed the possibility of the UFC getting more involved in Russian MMA when he told Unfiltered co-host Matt Serra that they were headed there as a part of a reality series that they use to scout talent.
“Matt, you and I are going to Russia, (for our series) Looking for a Fight,” said White. “We’re going to be spending a lot of time in Russia soon.”
Having held events across the globe in its 23-year history, it might not before UFC heads to Russia.
